It has so far been one of the warmest May months usual to New York.- This morning, however, it rains and looks as if it meant to-keep on all day. Imake my farewell to New York in these ines to China, and in a few hours will be on the water sailing away towards England. My concluding days at" the "Arlington Hotel in Washington were calealated to make me familiar with Chinese customs, at the table at least, for the new Chinese Minister and his large retinue of attichés, were in residence. Of course I did not inister, but I met a journalist, who ged to have a long chat with Minister Wu, who paid high tribute to his cordiality and to his excellent command of English. He is always delighted to talk: about his railroad, it is said, which he and Li Hung-chang started in China, and which Minister Wu, last month, hada letter about, announcing its completion, and that from the Ist of June it would be in running order from Peking to Tientsin. Li Hung-chang, by the way, was enthusiastic in his praises of the Arlington when he was in Washington, and they have many relics of his visit in the hotel.
'THE RETIRING MINISTER, en route now for St. Petersburg, made himself " great favourite in the social circles of the gay capital, his wife learning English rapidly snd falling most gracefully into American customs. Her receptions, in which she was always assisted by her'clever and charming child~ ren, were unique features, much enjoyed by visitors, who had the privilege of being her guests. Minister Wu made a courtly tactful speech on his presentation to the President of the United States, which bit: of oratory greatly delighted' the President. In fact, both he and Mrs. McKinley found it the. most agreeable diplomatic ceremony they have as yet Eve iked to attend the elaborate core-anticipated in, Minister Wu: would much.
monies in New York, connected with the removal of General Grant's remains to:: tho new tomb. But, unfortunately, he arrives just as the retiring Minister had accepte d the invitation to be present as represent ig China. Hence he could not go, as Staite etiquette forbade his going asia. priv ato guest and he ould not go as a Mint ster until he had formally received the #ivals of his office, a ceremony which was observed later on with great pomp. I confess I should have liked a few "f the beautiful gifts of jewels brought by the new to the ox inister. He was indeed wise man of the East, treasure trove.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.